David John (Dave) Davis was born January 13, 1933 in Peckville, Pennsylvania to Thomas Davis, a coal miner, and his wife, Madaline Stewart Davis. Raised during the Great Depression, Dave and his two brothers, Stewart "Buddy" and Floyd often made or improvised their own toys, and all three sons worked at an early age to contribute to the family's income. Dave's maternal grandparents were Charles and Lena Stewart. Dave's paternal grandparents, David John Davies (the "e" was dropped at Ellis Island) and Mary Morgan Davies came to America in 1898, emigrating from Mountain Ash, Wales. Upon graduating from high school at age 17 and with the signed consent of his parents in hand, Dave joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a pilot in the Korean Conflict. After being honorably discharged, Dave chose to pursue a medical career per the suggestion of his brother Dr. Floyd Davis. He studied at Rhodes College and earned his undergraduate degree from Memphis State University. Dave earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed further training in general surgery at the University of Mississippi. And finally, he completed cardiovascular surgical training in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1971, Dave was lured into private practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana after dining at The Village restaurant. An epicurean by nature, he declared The Village to be the best Italian restaurant ever. Dave joined the medical practice of Dr. Page Acree, which ultimately grew into the CVT Surgical Center providing state of the art surgical care to patients with diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. He was privileged to practice with this outstanding group of physicians until his retirement in 1992. While planning his retirement, he served under Governor Edwin Edwards as chair of the transition team of the State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. In 2001, Dave married his wife, Brenda McKenzie Davis. He and Brenda loved to travel, and they particularly enjoyed escaping Louisiana's summer heat by visiting places such as Idaho, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, and their favorite, Montreal. Brenda frequently referred to Dave as a "social butterfly," because he so enjoyed spending many treasured hours visiting with friends and family. Over the course of his life, those who befriended, loved and honored Dave bestowed upon him a number of nicknames: As a schoolboy, he was known as "Hawker," as a soldier in Korea, he was "Duck." "Hawkeye" was his moniker as a surgery resident, and medical practice partners named him "Deacon." His grandchildren called him Poppy Doc, but most people knew him as "Doc." Making mischief and pulling pranks, even when times were most serious, was another hallmark of his. Dave also became an author in 2015, writing his inspirational memoir, Serendipity. When reflecting on his full and gratifying life, Dave would frequently exclaim, "It's been a great ride!" Dave's life took many detours that brought fulfillment, and he never regretted moving on from one life experience to the next great adventure. Dave passed comfortably at home on September 7, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. A celebration of Dave's life will be hosted at Bistro Bryonz, 5412 Government Street, on Saturday, September 16, from 3:00-5:00. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Stewart Davis; and his young son, Robert Thomas Davis. Dave is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Karyn Davis Smith (Jim Arthur); son, David John Davis Jr (Paige Robinson); stepchildren, Carla Kaiser and Katie Kaiser Daniels (Paul); grandchildren, David Andrew Smith, Hayley Smith Brandenburg, Sydney Davis Oakes, Hannah Madaline Smith, Robert Thomas Davis, Barrett Hamilton Smith, Sophie Belle Davis and great-grandchild Wyatt Mahler Smith; step-grandchildren, Raleigh Daniels and Stevie Daniels. Dave is also survived by his brother, Floyd Davis. To anyone who wishes to make a donation in Dave's memory, the family suggests donations to , P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142 or the .